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Self Defense and Tactical Gear

Tactical pens are a great tool to have on you. You can pretty much always have one on you too, be it in your purse, brief case, or on your person. It spans almost all jobs, including being a student. After all, it is a pen. My guys have used a tactical pen for a few years now, so I have claimed this one for myself. A tactical pen is much more than a pen. It is also a means to defend yourself, if in need to do so. The end of the pen has a Tungsten steel tip. You can use this to defend yourself easily, as well as, use it to free yourself from your car in an accident. This will act just like a glass breaker since it can be used to slam an attackers’ head very well. I slammed it into a piece of plywood several times without issue, to test it out. You can’t even tell I tried to rough it up. The actual pen itself is made out of aircraft aluminum alloy. That is what a lot of flashlights are made out of too, for comparison. It is very durable pen! It arrives in a plastic container, that is foam lined and reusable. It was recycled from past flashlights they used to sell. I like seeing things being recycled. The pen actually comes with a refill, which is not usual from the tactical pens we have purchased in the past. The pen writes very smoothly out of the box. The cap is a screw on cap, and there is also a pocket clip. The pocket clip holds pretty well. It is silver in color, and can be removed if you choose to. The top unscrews off, and then you can take the pocket clip off, and then screw the top cap back on. This is not as heavy as some tactical pens, but not as light as a regular pen either. You can take this pen on an airplane, which is good to know. that even there, it will be there for you. Overall, this is a well-made pen. It writes smoothly, and is pretty durable. The pocket clip is not the strongest of pocket clips, but if you are not rough on pens, like my guys can be, it works just fine. With the Tungsten tip, and the strong body, this pen can be trusted to be able to defend yourself with it.

I received this for free. I was under no obligation to leave my unbiased and honest review. – Smart Security’s Brand New Survival Emergency Self Defense Protective Stinger Weapons Tactical Pen.

When you talk about scope’s, I smile. I have been needing a stronger scope. I am always weary about ordering one online too. If you wear contacts, or don’t have perfect vision, you need to be pickier about your scope. I tried it on my AR for the review, even though it’s a little large for it. It actual sits very securely on it. This one is a complete set. It comes with 1 CR2032 lithium battery, 2 scope rings with Allen wrench, 1 microfiber cleaning cloth, the scope, dual lens cap, and a great sheet of instructions. The instruction sheet is great at telling you how to adjust the scope to get it sighted. No tools are required to place the battery. This is a really easy scope to set up and use.

The lens cap covers are not solid; you can actually see through them as well. This is a great feature if you are setting up. One less worry about scratching the lenses during the process. I walked about outside at first playing with the scope, to see if the clarity was going to meet my needs. I have temperamental eyes due to reactions from my frequent anaphylactic reactions. I need a very clear, strong scope for distance. I was very happily surprised with this scope. Up until this point, I have only had real luck with my son’s pricey Nikon one. I was able to see houses across the inner coastal, from where I was, very, very clearly. I had a blast looking around everywhere, and seeing things I haven’t been able to see. I am so impressed with this scope.

It didn’t matter if I shook the scope, freely swung it while walking, or constantly handling it. The setting didn’t change a bit. It is a fog proof and shock proof scope. Going from the air conditioned room, out to the heat of outdoors, and back in, I had no lens change. It stayed nice and clear. It’s not winter here, so that is the best I could test it out. It also has a dual illuminated duplex reticle. It is versatile from a 6x to 24x magnification range. The objective is adjustable from 15ft to “infinity”, lol, their words. But, since it is quite clear, for such a long range, it feels like that to me. You can use the scope with or without the illuminated reticle on. You actually have the choice of red or green. Otherwise, it will be the regular black reticle. It is very easy to operate as well. I used my current mount for the scope, but the tools necessary to mount the scope rings is a 7/64ths Allen Wrench. I suggest you get your own, instead of using the one included. It is just a small, straight one, and it is hard to grasp and turn. I grabbed one from my tool bag, and it was so much easier to use.

(If you look past the light green house, you’ll see houses in the distance, across the inner coastal. I could see these very clearly and in detail, through this scope.)

Basic common sense when sighting it in. You need to keep your eye at least 3-4 inches from the scope. Play with your eye relief, before tightening the scope down in the rings. You can adjust the eye relief, the magnification, and the objective, easily with this scope. The scope rings included are for 20mm Weaver Dovetail Rails, only, if you choose to use the included rings. They are simple rings, thin, and will raise your scope about 1 ¼”. Overall, this is a great scope. It is still new to us at this point, but the clarity is unbelievable. The distance you can see seems to go on and on. I love the reticle choices, be it red, green, or regular non-illuminated. A fantastic scope even if your battery dies. I can see so clearly; I do not even have to close an eye to focus in. I have no complaints so far.

(The video was taken on our trip to McDonalds. No one noticed that I was wearing it either.)

It’s fun to play super spy when you have reliable equipment. I have reviewed other wearable spy gadgets, and a lot of them fall flat with ease of use, and quality of recording. This particular camera from Recordergear is holding up pretty well. It comes with a free app to download, so it can be used in multiple ways. I have only tested the app out of Android devices. It is available for IOS too, though. The app is called FinalCam, and it’s free to install. C11 is the camera name, and the default password is 12345678. It linked up with our cameras right away. Only one person can be connected at a time to the camera using the app. My husband and I both tried being logged into it, and it said NO, lol. The camera has its own Wi-Fi. So, when you want to link up to it, turn the camera on first, and then hit the Wi-Fi button and make sure you opened your app on your phone or tablet. Your phone will then connect with the camera, and you will be able to view what your camera is viewing. You will need to press the arrow button when you open the app, to activate the connection process. The picture is pretty clear. This will also depend on the quality of your camera or tablet too. From the app you can record, take pictures, adjust the volume, or turn it off. You can adjust the light as well. There are 4 buttons on the camera itself. One side there is a power button and the light button, for nighttime, or dark room, filming. On the other side is the Wi-Fi button and the mode button. This camera can be fully operated without the app. That’s definitely better for wearing it as a body cam, and being more super spy like, lol. Here is a quick break down how to operate it from the buttons:

-Press and hold to turn it on and off. It comes on with the Blue light. You can cycle through the modes with the mode button.

Blue means record

Red means photo mode

Green means only Audio record mode

Red/Blue Combo means Motion activated video mode

Pick the color you want, and then short press the power button to activate the mode. The light will flash about 5 times, and then go into your chosen mode. It’s pretty simple, and can be done on the sly, once you get familiar with the camera button locations. You need to press the light button to activate the nighttime viewing mode. You need to supply your own micro SD card for this camera. When you buy one, make sure it is at least a class 10, or the video will not be worth our while. Now, if you have Windows 8, you will need to download the VLC video player program. It’s free, or it was when I downloaded it onto my old laptop, which is now my husband’s laptop. Otherwise you can only see the video and not hear any audio. With playing the video through VLC, you are good to go. I have Windows 10, and it plays the video and audio perfectly. I normally don’t wear shirts with chest pockets. That would be the perfect place to wear a bodycam. I place it on my belt, and filmed from the hip when I used it. I notice in the video, with many lighting variations, it will darken a little. But, my expensive camera, does that too, so, not a surprise. I swear, cameras do not know what to do with sunlight and LED lighting. It makes the lens darken somewhat, for some reason. It films for approx.. 10 minutes, and then restarts another video on its own. There seems to be an unnoticeable gap really between threads. With this camera you will get 1 charging cable, 1 hdmi cable, 1 microfiber cleaning cloth, 1 camera and instruction pamphlet. When you plug the camera into your computer, it will automatically download the drivers for it. Overall, it’s a very easy camera to operate. I think it’s fun, and user friendly. I like the sound and picture quality for a body cam. It really is the best I have personally used to date.

Every home should have a safe. There are many different reasons to own one, from personal collections, special family mementos, fire arms, important paperwork, and more. I love the added security measure of being fingerprint enabled. That really adds another layer of protection to the safe. My mom immediately stated, that can be picked up and carried out of the home. Yes, it can if the criminal could find it, lol, but you can bolt it to the ground, and wall as well. My husband has installed many a safe into homeowner’s homes. It’s quite doable. In case you plan on storing your firearm in here, just check your state laws regarding fire arm storage laws along with ammunition storage. I like this as my handgun safe. I’ve been wanting one like this for that particular reason. I used to be a pharmaceutical nurse, and we signed in with our fingerprints. The safe runs off of 4 AA batteries. The battery compartment is located on the inside of the safe door. Be proactive on checking the battery power as an added safety measure for yourself. There is an emergency key entrance located on the underside of the front panel. You’ll see the grooves on the panel to open. You can register up to 32 fingerprints. I can see in some cases, more business related, how that many fingerprints can be needed. The small pamphlet of directions is actually very clear to follow. They include the emergency battery pack and the bolts to mount it to the floor and wall. These areas are predrilled for you already. The felt lining on the bottom is loose, so it’s easily removed and replaced as needed. There was no funky odor to the inside of the safe when I first opened it. I was so excited to see how easy it is to set the fingerprint. Press the reset button on the inside of the door, until you hear a beep. The fingerprint scanner will turn red. Press your finger against it until you hear a solid beep. Now it’s set. Just close the door and test it out. When you lock the door, wait a second until you hear the click. It does not lock right away. You need to wait about 3 seconds. If you hear three short beeps while setting it, it means registration failure. Now to set the pin. With the door open press your chosen number, and then press the reset button. After a very quick two beeps, press the number in again, and the reset button again. You should see the light turn green, and you’ll be good to go. Now, when you press the number to open it, press the # sign after pressing your code in. There is a metal shelf inside the safe as well. That also comes out if you do not want it in there. I’m amazed at how roomy this safe is in person. In my head, the measurements given, looked smaller in my head, lol. The measurements on the ad page are: 13.75″ x 10″ x 10″. The inside measured out at 9 ¾” by 13.5” with my ruler. You can fit several handguns in here for sure, or a lot of jewelry, stamps, personal papers, receipts, and more in this safe. I have to say that my least favorite part of the safe, is the access panel on the front. That is where the emergency key entrance is, and backup battery access port it. The cover is hard to get off. That literally is my only issue with the safe. I am really impressed by the usability of the safe, and all the different options to access it. I love the fingerprint access; it’s awesome.

I live in a house with a lot of guys, and guys like knives. Well, mine do anyhow. I have been converted, and get just as excited about them. Not only are they great tools to have, but the can help you save your life in an emergency. This knife from Outdoor Games can do just that too. It is a great tool to keep in your vehicle. This folding knife has a built in seatbelt cutter as well as a glass breaker on it. It does not come with a sheath, but it does have a metal pocket clip on it. It’s a long metal pocket clip, and sturdy. The blade is a Tanto blade and was made out of 440C Stainless Steel. Overall this knife measures out at 8 ¼” long when opened. The blade measures out at 3.5” to the tip. They state 2.9”, so I would check my state laws before ordering it. We can have up to a 4” blade on us, here in NC. This is a heaver blade with the built in car safety features. It weighs out at 7.3oz with my scale. My knife arrived in perfect condition. It arrived with the usual factory edge, and in my opinion needs to be sharpened. If I want my knife to be able to be fully utilized, it needs to have a sharp edge on it, capable of shaving those hairs, lol. The blade test we always do. Even though it’s a larger knife for me, I can still do the one handed open and close. I’m not great at flicking it open yet, since it’s larger. It is also a little tight when it first arrives, which is normal. There is no play in the blade. When it is opened, it is well locked in. To close it, you just need to press your thumb against the liner lock and push the blade shut with your other fingers. The blade has a camo like finish done on it. It’s pretty sharp looking. The handle is metal with a black, plastic insert which has ridges on it. It helps with the grip, and the aesthetics. There is a lanyard whole already there for you as well. This is a great tool to keep in a vehicle. It would be great camping or hiking as well. In a pinch you can cut your Paracord, or anything else you need. It’s thick and solid, and a great price for such a useful tool.

I was afforded the opportunity to review Outdoor Games’ WHX Outdoor Camping Survival Folding Knife Hunting Tactical Pocket Knife, at a reduced cost, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

You say the words, Laser Bore Sighter, and I get excited, lol. I mean, you are talking about firearms, and that’s out thing. We love the 2nd Amendment in our home. It’s also a sport all sexes can do together. My husband and I have a lot of fun together sharing our love of firearms. If you are planning on mounting a new scope, you know that you will need one of these. I really need a new scope, so this arrived at the perfect time. This particular one from XYGoods arrives nicely packaged, and is capable from sighting anywhere from a .22 to a .50 Cal. You can also use this for 20 and 18 Gauge Shotguns. The instruction pamphlet is very clear to follow. The only thing they do not mention is how to insert the batteries, lol. You place them in negative side facing out. This laser bore sighter, and its components are made out of metal. They include the screwdriver and Allen wrench needed to operate it. They also include 2 sets of batteries. One set of mine didn’t work. I didn’t care, because one set did work, and that’s all that mattered to me. They include for different attachments which are equivalent to the different bore sizes. Just attach the appropriate one, turn on the laser sight, and insert it into your firearm. They tell you in the pamphlet how to adjust for the offset of the scope and barrel. If you are shooting at a lesser distance, for ex. 20-50ft. If you are shooting over that. You shouldn’t have to make any compensation between 50-100ft. This laser is durable, bright, and easy to operate. I am very happy with it overall.

I was afforded the opportunity to review YXGOOD’s Red Dot Laser Bore Sighter Kit for .22 to .50 Caliber Rifle Scope, at a reduced cost, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

Recently, I had my car broken into, and had my being prepared supplies, and self-defense supplies stolen from me. That included my knife unfortunately. So, I was thrilled to be able to review this beauty. This is my first personal knife done in this design. This design is great for show and self-defense. It has a solid grip, a great sheath, and lanyard; perfect for neck carry. It’s a Hawkbill design, and the blade is also full tang as well. This knife is made out of 420 stainless steel. It’s pretty thick and sturdy; not a flimsy, bendy knife in the least. It arrived pretty sharp, but definitely has a factory edge. Pretty much what I expected. Another pro for this knife, is that it also comes with a solid sheath with lanyard hole. That way, when you are wearing it in neck carry mode, you just need to grab the handle, and with a quick tug, the knife is free to defend yourself. The blade on this knife is a 3.5” blade. You will need to check your state laws to make sure this is legal in your state. I’m lucky, it’s legal in mine. The ABS and fiberglass handle is comfortable to hold and it affords a solid grip. There is also a finger hole at the end of the knife. This knife measures 7 ½” in total length. It’s still pretty light at 3.83oz. I like the thumb grip on it. It’s comfortable, but really helps to ensure a solid grip. The finish on the blade and finger hole is pretty sharp looking. This is my first knife with the blade done with a design like this. I find it to be a lot of fun. This knife has found a home in my car. I am glad I have been able to replace my self-defense knife in my vehicle. Now I just need to replace my basic pocket knife.

I was afforded the opportunity to review Elemental Knives’ CS:GO CASE HARDENED Real Knife Counter Strike Global Offensive, at a reduced cost, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.